When a virtual machine is started from hibernation, it does not go through the boot sequence, so it is available for use faster than if it was turned off or shut down. By default, clicking the Close button (the ‘x’) on the virtual machine window hibernates a virtual machine. You can also change this behavior by modifying the virtual machine settings.

To change the default close option, choose one one of the following:• In the Virtual Machines folder, right-click the name of the virtual machine, and then click Settings.• In the virtual machine window, click the Tools menu, and then click Settings.• In left pane of the Settings window, click on Close.• In right pane, either select the option you want to configure to under ‘Automatically close with the following’ option, or select ‘Prompt for action’ to be able to choose the action each time the virtual machine is closed.• Click on OK to save the changes.

To shut down a virtual machine• From the virtual machine window, click Ctrl+Alt+Del. Or, you can press theCTRL+ALT+END key sequence.• In the window that appears in the virtual OS, click on Shut down.• The operating system will go through its entire shutdown sequence, and all the resources will be released from the virtual machine.

NoteWhen you open a virtual machine, Windows virtual Pc provides it with memory and processor resources. the length of time it takes to open a virtual machine also depends on the amount of memory assigned to the virtual machine which you can change by opening settings in Windows virtual Pc for your XP when it is not powered on.

If you want to use an application installed in a virtual machine from the desktop of the host operating system, the virtual machine must be closed.